MARSHFIELD - The Personal Development Center of Marshfield has a new home at a former homeless shelter.

The Frederic Ozanam Transitional Shelter, owned by St. Vincent de Paul, was shut down Dec. 5 after a teenage boy living there was accused of sexually assaulting a toddler girl who also was a tenant.

The Personal Development Center, or PDC, currently at 214 W. Second St., is a domestic abuse agency that serves children, families and adults in the Marshfield and surrounding areas.

But the PDC previously had no place for the abused to stay on site. That barrier seems to be eliminated with the space at the new facility at 505 E. Depot St.

PDC executive director Renee Schulz said she met with community leaders and others on the best course of action about the space.

"The PDC recently celebrated 40 years and this is setting the stage for the next 40 years," Schulz said. "Having our services under one roof and having our own shelter helps us grow to meet the needs that our community is facing."

Schulz said in a press conference Wednesday the PDC bought the land for $80,000, with existing items inside the former Frederic Ozanam Transitional Shelter being donated to the PDC. The deal is slated to be closed April 1 with the hope of moving programs into the shelter May 1.

The PDC hopes to open the shelter by late summer.

"This is going to have a significant impact for victims of abuse and their children," Schulz said. "Having somewhere we can provide that immediate safety and have resources readily available on site and have their own safety is huge. We are very excited for this opportunity and all the good we can do."

The transitional shelter could house up to 14 families at a time and at full capacity would house 82 people. Schulz said that there will be changes to the layout of the facility, with the advocacy and support services moving to the new location. She said it will include eight rooms with a capacity of 32 residents in hopes of more efficient services to the abuse victims.

Dawn Albanito, St. Vincent de Paul board member, said the new use for the facility fits with her organization's mission.

"St. Vincent de Paul has always strived to provide the homeless in our community with both shelter and the services needed to transition into a healthy lifestyle," Albanito said. "We feel like the comprehensive services that PDC offers will ensure our original intent continues into the future."

Personal Development Center logo(Photo: Graphic courtesy of Personal Development Center)